Chamber nurtures entrepreneurs

STORIES BY B.K. SIDHU

THE Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KLSICCI) handles up to 1,600 enquires from budding entrepreneurs every month. 

The chamber provides assistance to people ranging from identifying a potential business, where and how to secure funds, facilitating businesses in obtaining permits or licences and even offering a temporary office space. 

Over the years, the chamber has set up 22 committees to handle various issues, besides holding regular seminars on various topics to help the Indian business community. 

“It is a process of helping these budding entrepreneurs establish their base,” said the chamber's deputy president Ramesh Kodammal. 

President Datuk V.K.K. Teagarajan estimates that at least 50 entrepreneurs are created every year. One example of a success story is that of A.P. Sivam, owner of APS Manja Sdn Bhd, which is involved in the manufacturing of chilli, tomato, oyster and soya sauces. 

“I benefited through the various seminars, workshops and exhibitions that the chamber organised. I began with selling chilli paste in 1979, and now the product range has exceeded 15 types of sauces,” Sivam said. 

Ramesh said the recent cases of those who seek help from the chamber included a courier service company Syarikat Maju Mas, a motor repair shop in Selangor and a kacang putih seller in Damansara. 

Besides helping budding entrepreneurs, the chambers also does its bit for society in terms of providing school uniforms and books to Tamil schools; over the past ten years, it has built 12 classrooms, canteens and computer centres. 

The KLSICCI was formed in 1928 by a group of Indian merchants located around Batu Road, Jalan Melayu and Jalan Masjid India. They were involved in the trade of spices, textiles and commodities. 

Come June 6, the chamber will celebrate its 75th anniversary. It has been steered by 26 presidents and throughout the years, it has seen tremendous changes in its constitution, image as well as role to promote, advance and protect the welfare of the Malaysian Indian business community. 

The chamber now has close to 800 members and is on a membership drive to increase that to 2,000 by 2004, said Teagarajan. 

“It is a perception that most of the members were importers and retailers. During my term (1984-1986), we brought in the manufacturers, exporters and professionals,” Tan Sri Kishu Tirathrai said, adding that the chamber was now working towards exporting the services of its members. 

Many presidents have come and gone, and it was Kishu who was instrumental in bringing about in the sense of being more proactive.  

He also helped to establish a newsletter which has become an vital means of communication. 

Over the years, added Ramesh, the chamber has voiced its views on the need for reduction of import duties of various products and in documentation for seaports.  

It has also mentioned the need for flexibility in visa issuances for businessmen from India. For the younger generation, there is a youth wing where young people are encouraged to participate in the chamber's activities that are geared towards creating more entrepreneurs.